Sir Thomas Lipton was one of Glasgow’s most famous and successful sons. From humble origins he became a world famous tea merchant and yachtsman. However, he never forgot his native city and, on his death in 1931, he bequeathed to Glasgow his extensive personal collection of newspaper cuttings, photographs and memorabilia, which are now housed in the Mitchell Library.

Over 100 volumes of press cuttings and photographs, from 1877 until his death, cover his business and social life but particularly concentrate on his five challenges for the America’s Cup. Part of this collection is available for you to search or browse on this website. You can also read his remarkable life story.

Use the options on the left to browse or search through the images. All the images are available to order.

The King’s Grocer – The Life of Sir Thomas Lipton

This book tells his story from his birth in a Gorbals tenement to his dazzling commercial and social success..